Comments on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada 2016 - 2019

The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), as the national voice for the municipal water and wastewater sector, has reviewed the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Through its National Committee on Climate Change, the CWWA provided comments on Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change, and Goal 2: Clean Technology Jobs and Innovation. See CWWA's full submission here.

CWWA recommends that the FSDS include a clear statement that municipalities are partners (as opposed to stakeholders) of the federal government in its strategies towards sustainable future. 

Nationwide there is a need to identify and evaluate current infrastructure deficiencies resulting from age, climate change and other risks. 

CWWA encourages the federal government to: 

• create a national open database of Life Cycle Inventories in municipal services, such as water and wastewater services. 
• frame the process that all municipalities can follow to manage Climate, Water, Engineering Assets, Emergencies, and Long Term Resilience. 
• financially support municipal training for Climate Change and Sustainability.
• develop national heat-maps of environmental degradation sensitivities.

As the national voice of the municipal water and wastewater sector, CWWA is in the position to engage federal departments in discussions, provide input, and support its goals on a broad range of water and wastewater issues.